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How Peer Mentors Facilitated Learning in a Campaigns and Elections Class

Explore how peer mentors facilitate learning and improve communication in a campaigns and elections class through group work and real-world applications.

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How Peer Mentors Facilitated Learning in a Campaigns and Elections Class

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  1. How Peer Mentors Facilitated Learning in a Campaigns and Elections Class Sara Box, Benjamin C. Bower and Jeffrey L. Bernstein Eastern Michigan University

  2. Overview of project • Groups of about four students are created with one peer mentor assigned to each • Each group is given a different candidate • Groups work together to complete several tasks that mimic a political campaign • Messaging survey • Campaign ads - tested using focus groups • Presentation of campaign strategy to candidate

  3. What is a Peer Mentor? • A student who has already taken the course and done well • A facilitator for each group • A supportive person to answer questions and increase motivation

  4. Our Experience Benefits of Having a Peer Mentor • Increase communication • Facebook group and messenger • Motivation for students who would not normally participate as much • Can ask students individually how they are doing - something the professor might not be capable of doing in a large class • There to hear any and all ideas • Students more eager to ask fellow students questions that they would not normally ask professor

  5. Our Experience In addition: • Mentors are a valuable resource tool for students when completing projects • Mentors can keep the ball rolling when project progress stalls

  6. Our Experience Mentors are not a hero to save group work struggles • Chemistry between members can be challenging • Communication problems are ubiquitous • Procrastination is difficult to stop

  7. What We Learned Real world applications for students and mentors • Every job requires teamwork. Especially politically focused careers • Mentors gain leadership experience • Students practice team skills Mentors can ease the struggles of college level group work and make it possible for these types of projects to happen

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